Fifty people of various nationalities gathered at the Watermill Hotel, Girne, by kind permission of Kemal Sivrikaya, for a meeting called by KAR (Kyrenia Animal Rescue) to discuss the indiscriminate use of poison and to try to get the government to control its availability and use.

Amongst those present were representatives of KUSKOR and the Malatya/Incescu Action Group, together with many people whose domestic pets had died through ingesting poisonous meat.  The apologies of BARK (Bogaz Animal Rescue Kennels) were tendered, as were those of the two Vets invited, who were unable to attend due to work and sickness. 

It was commented from the floor that it was a deep disappointment that no police, nor government nor municipality representatives had accepted the invitation to be present, nor indeed any Turkish Cypriots or Turks – the latter possibly due to language difficulties.  However, it was noted that two Cypriots had come solely to add their names to the petition containing some two thousand signatures which KAR intends to present to the appropriate officials in the near future.

Following an official welcome from Margaret Ray, Chairperson of KAR, and an explanation for the purpose of the meeting and the hopes for future achievement to improve lifestyle by way of  new remedial government measures concerning the dangerous poisons which are readily available over the counter and which are used to kill domestic and other animals, people were invited to share their own experiences.

Some harrowing tales of death of pets were shared, from which it was obvious that in the entire north of the island no areas are excluded from this cruel, outmoded method of ridding neighbourhoods of animals deemed to be nuisances.  It is an island wide problem, and is not accidental.

Stories were told of dogs being taken from locked gardens; eating poisoned meat whilst being walked on leads;  suffering cruelly as poisons took effect almost immediately while helpless owners could do nothing but watch,  as well as tourists finding dead dogs whilst on mountain walks, some of which were hunting dogs.  It was rumoured that in some instances, inexperienced hunters will acquire dogs just for the hunting season, then either abandon them or poison them rather than have the expense of keeping them for months ahead.

Another major problem is the age old practice of shepherds leaving poison to kill predators to their flocks left out on the hills.  Some shepherds admit to the practice as being justified to keep their flocks from harm, but seem unaware of any knock on effect to domestic animals. 

Margaret Ray read out the Cruelty to Animals Law which dates from 1959, which talks of fines and imprisonments for any person found to be guilty of harming any animal.  Unfortunately for any prosecution to take place there MUST be a witness prepared to give evidence, and this is rarely found. The police often showed extreme concern when cases were reported, but were extremely hampered in any investigation due to the impossible task of finding witnesses. Ms Ray also advised that shortly new Laws would be implemented, and it was hoped these would soon be made public.

Concern was expressed at the number of poisons readily available to the public, and one even greater concern was the ignorance of many vendors.  One lady advised how she had asked for Rat Poison, and on being given the product, asked “ Is this harmful to animals such as cats and dogs” and was told “No – it is harmless to animals.”  The packet did in fact state categorically that not only was it harmful to animals, it was harmful to humans; should be kept away from children; should not be touched with a naked hand;  should be stored in a safe place, and further stated what antidote should be used in the event of any human accidentally swallowing any.  Unfortunately ALL the instructions were in Italian, and hence very few people would know the danger of using such a product.

The meeting was advised by KAR Committee that pet owners should always have a supply of antidotes available, if only to give time to make the journey to a vet for proper treatment.  Antidotes ‘bought’ extra time by stopping the poison reaching the lungs and also helped reduce vomiting temporarily.

In the long term, however, the first priority was to persuade the appropriate members of Government to accept the petition and to recognise the dangers of indiscriminate use of poison to children as much as to pets, and to bring in new measures which would control the ease of purchase of poisons and their subsequent abusive use.  A voice in the meeting was heard to point out “Mr Talat recently showed concern about a cat that had its head stuck in a tin, so hopefully the government might take us seriously.”

Margaret Ray said it was hoped that the Petition would be presented within the month, but in the meantime all concerned people could help in two ways. Firstly if any poison is seen by way of chunks of meat, or chicken bones, then this should be picked up and disposed of in a responsible manner, and secondly one member at the meeting will arrange for an e mail ‘chain’ to be drawn up so that if any poison is seen in any particular area, then an e mail or phone call can be made to warn others in the same locality.

The meeting ended with Margaret Ray appealing for continued support from those present and many more members of the community, in particular Turkish speaking peoples who also own pets, to help pressure the government to take active steps for change so that the needless suffering and loss of lives of innocent animals can come to an end which would also result in a greater protection to the environment.  “We need to maximise support and hope as many of you as possible will stand alongside us when we present the Petition, and please remember that all animals are special. Most of the animals being poisoned are part of a family, much loved, someone's friend and companion. No individual has the right to kill an animal and in the extremely cruel and brutal way as with poison. KAR will continue to do everything within their power to stop it happening.”

(1071)                                                                          copyright Marion Stuart

WASH n SQUASH
Kyrenia Animal Rescue would like to remind people to 'wash and squash' their empty food cans. "It is important to wash out any empty cans, especially pet food, as the smell of cat or dog food is too tempting for a hungry cat. KAR have rescued a number of cats with their heads firmly stuck in a can" KAR spokesperson Anita Woods reported. "The cat is unable to remove the tin unaided, the resulting slow death from starvation, or worse still, in the hot weather does not bare thinking about. It only takes a moment to wash the tin and then squash the opening flat. It is a simple but necessary thing to do in a country with no recycling".

KITTENS CRY FOR HELP
Calling all cat lovers. Kyrenia Animal Rescue are asking cat lovers with a little spare time and some love in their hearts, to foster abandoned and orphaned kittens. "Every year dozens and dozens of kittens are brought to KAR. They are usually tiny things in need of some T.L.C. Kitten fosterers are needed to care for the youngsters until they are old enough to go to the Rescue Centre. KAR will provide the food and pay for any veterinary treatment needed" said KAR Chairperson Margaret Ray. "We do have a few ladies who foster kittens, but we desperately need more.The care period is normally just a few weeks." Full 'training' and support will be given by experienced fosterers. Any one interested should telephone the KAR office on 0533 869 4098.